BANGLADESH VS. SRI LANKA: SL’S TOUR OF BAN 2021, 1st ODI | MATCH PREDICTION AND FANTASY CRICKET TIPS
Hosts Bangladesh take on Sri Lanka in the first ODI of the 3-match series at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur on Sunday afternoon. It is part of the ICC ODI Super League.
Both teams are coming off defeats in their last international ODI fixtures, with Bangladesh getting comprehensively beaten 3-0 in New Zealand and Sri Lanka by the same margin in the West Indies. However, Bangladesh are a strong team in home conditions and a more settled team of the two sides coming here.
Tamim Iqbal continues to lead the side and is expected to be partnered by Liton Das at the top. Shakib Al Hasan returns to make up a strong middle order alongside Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah and Soumya Sarkar. Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed will lead the pace attack with Mehidy Hasan, and Shakib Al Hasan will head the spin department. Mahedi Hasan and Mosadek Hossain might fight for the lone spot in the playing XI.
Sri Lanka have decided to bring an inexperienced squad for this tour and will be led by Kusal Perera for the first time. They are relying on players who have not yet proven themselves in international cricket. Danushka Gunathilaka, Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis will form the top order alongside their skipper. Dananajaya De Silva and Dasun Shanaka are expected to provide firepower in the lower order. Dushanth Chameera and Isuru Udana will be the pace spearheads, and Wanidu Hasaranga and Akila Dananjaya will undertake the spin duties in this match.
Despite their disappointing tour to New Zealand, Bangladesh are a strong side at home and should start the series as favorites. On the other hand, the visitors lack experience but are capable of running the hosts close. So expect a cracking first game between these two exciting sides at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium on Sunday.
Match Details
- Match: Bangladesh vs. Sri Lanka, 1st ODI
- Venue: Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur
- Date & Time: May 23, 2021, at 12.30 PM IST
Probable Playing XI
Bangladesh
Tamim Iqbal (C), Liton Das, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim (WK), Mahmudullah, Mohammad Mithun, Mahedi Hasan, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman
Sri Lanka
Kusal Perera (C/WK), Danushka Gunathilaka, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Ashen Bandara, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lakshan Sandakan, Isuru Udana, Dushmantha Chameera
Weather and Pitch Report
Mirpur is expected to have sunny conditions on the day of the match. The temperature will be around 38 degrees during the game.
The Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium has one of the finest batting wickets in the country and a lightning fast outfield, where the batsmen have scored a lot of runs in the past. There is not much for the pace bowlers on this surface, who will have to rely on variations here. Spinners will get turn from the surface, especially in the first innings. The average first-innings score in the last five ODIs played here has been 198 runs.
Given the dew factor, bowling second on this track would be difficult with a wet ball. Moreover, 4 of the last 5 matches have been won by the team batting second. So expect the captain winning the toss to opt to bowl first on this track. A target of 260-270 can be a competitive one.
Top Fantasy Picks
- Tamim Iqbal has scored more ODI runs at this venue than anyone else in history. He has hit a record 5 centuries here. He has been in great form, scoring 3 half centuries in his last two Tests. He was Bangladesh’s top scorer in all three matches of the ODI series against the West Indies.
- Shakib Al Hasan is a premier all-rounder and provides an excellent balance to the side with his all-round abilities. He scored 113 runs and took 6 wickets in the three ODIs against the West Indies back in January. He has made 6 half centuries in 20 ODI innings against Sri Lanka.
- Mustafizur Rahman is healthy and bowling well after recovering from all the injury troubles faced in the last few years. He was in form for Rajasthan in the seven group-stage matches of the Indian T20 League and took 8 wickets in total. He also took 6 wickets in the last three ODIs at home against the West Indies.
- Danushka Gunathilaka was impressive in the ODI series in the West Indies, scoring 55, 96 and 36 runs in the three matches. He is one of the experienced players in this new-looking squad and will be looking to continue his good form at the top of the order.
- Kusal Perera has not played an ODI for more than a year, but he is in good form, scoring 3 half centuries in his last four Tests. He has played over 100 ODIs, with 2825 runs at a strike rate of 92.59. He has scored 6 centuries so far and will hope to add a few more in this series.
Wanindu Hasaranga did well with the bat against the West Indies, with scores of 47 and 80 runs in the final two ODIs. However, he picked up only 1 wicket in the series, which is a slight worry point. He has taken 18 wickets in 18 ODIs and has the ability to bowl economical spells.
Howzat Dream Team
- Wicketkeepers: L Das, K Perera
- Batsmen: T Iqbal, D Gunathilaka, A Bandara
- All-rounders: Shakib Al Hasan, Mahedi Hasan, W Hasaranga
- Bowlers: M Rahman, M H-Miraz, D Chameera
- Captain: T Iqbal/M Rahman
- Vice Captain: D Gunathilaka/W Hasaranga
NOTE: The Howzat dream team above is just a suggestion. You can make your match prediction and play fantasy cricket matches. Also, don’t forget to make any necessary changes to your team once the actual playing 11 is announced by each team (30 minutes before the start of the match) as some players you have selected might not be part of the team suggested.
Get fantasy cricket tips on your favorite fantasy sports app and select your own team, Howzat!
